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Work-exacerbated asthma
1Field Studies Branch, Division of Respiratory Disease Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505-2888, USA. pkh0@cdc.gov
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|March 14, 2007
Summary
Work-exacerbated asthma is a common condition affecting adults with asthma, triggered by various occupational exposures. Further research is needed to improve its diagnosis, management, and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is a significant occupational health concern.
- Recent literature highlights the prevalence and triggers of WEA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on work-exacerbated asthma.
- Literature search focused on publications from 2005 to October 2006.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of medical literature.
- Analysis of epidemiologic studies on WEA prevalence and characteristics.
Main Results:
- WEA is common, with prevalence estimates varying across studies.
- Identified occupational triggers include physical factors, stress, odors, irritants, and smoke.
- Demographic and clinical traits of WEA cases are similar to other asthma populations, with some distinctions.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiologic data confirm the high prevalence of work-exacerbated asthma.
- Increased research attention is being given to WEA.
- More comprehensive studies are required for improved diagnosis, management, and prevention.
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